Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Lingering wind slabs at upper elevations are your greatest avalanche concern on Sunday. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely, but the size and likelihood may increase depending on how much snow and wind we receive. Use caution while traveling as hazardous conditions are present including variable icy surfaces, open creeks, and downed trees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small wind slab avalanches are unlikely but still an avalanche problem.  Up to 3 inches of snow is forecasted Saturday night into Sunday, which is not likely to increase the size and likelihood of triggering avalanches, but do keep it on your radar.  You may find wind slabs in isolated pockets, where you will see wind-textured snow surfaces or smooth pillow-like deposits.  As these slabs are small and isolated, keep alert if you enter a steep slope because that is the mostly likely spot where you may trigger an avalanche. 

    Although unlikely, your highest chances of finding reactive wind slabs are around features near the top of a slope.

Avalanche Discussion

While the avalanche danger is low, continue to practice awareness of your surroundings and stay conscious of changing weather and snow conditions. Even small, isolated avalanches could pose a threat if you are above cliffs or around other terrain traps. Keep an eye out for loose wet avalanches on lower elevation steep slopes depending on how much temperatures increase during the day.  

Saturday I hiked up to Lake Twentytwo, where I saw many old wet loose avalanches that occurred around Jan 12. With the low avalanche danger I felt comfortable hiking beneath the large cliffs and avalanche paths to take a closer look at the avalanches. Near Sloan Peak on Thursday, there was also evidence of large avalanches which occurred during the atmospheric river event Jan 10-13 that brought 5+ inches of water to the area, much of which fell as rain up to 6000ft.   We now have a generally strong snowpack sitting under the crust at the surface of the rain-saturated snow. If you get out in the West Central zone this weekend we'd love to hear about it! Submit your observations here. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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